L'Anse aux Meadows - Doctor to the North and the Grenfell Legacy

This excursion features a visit to the interpretation center that tells the story of the truly inspirational Dr Grenfell, the young English doctor who in 1892 visited St. Anthony and founded the Grenfell Mission.

Learn about one of the most important stories in Canadian history

Visit charming St. Anthony

Catch a glimpse of the Canadian wildlife

Scenic drive

Season

Summer

Notices

Little walking involved, suitable for wheelchair users.

Difficulty level

Level 1: For everyone

Duration

4 hours

137 €

St. Anthony and the Grenfell legacy

St Anthony, on the northern tip of Newfoundland, was the staging point for many northern expeditions. Arctic explorers used its sheltered harbour to take on sled dogs and other supplies, as the world raced for the North Pole.

This excursion features a visit to the interpretation center that tells the story of the truly inspirational Dr Grenfell, the young English doctor who in 1892 visited St. Anthony and founded the Grenfell Mission.

Grenfell, friend of presidents and kings, is one of the most compelling stories of the north. He was renowned for bringing medicine and education to the Inuit and poor European settlers along the harsh Labrador Coast. His adventures were required reading in Eastern Canada, and taught rural school children how to survive while adrift on ice pans. His tales of courage and charitable efforts made him a friend of American presidents and governors together with European royalty.

We will visit the Interpretation Centre that tells his story plus his home where passengers view the artifacts gathered from a life of arctic adventure and global philanthropy. The tour includes admissions at the Grenfell Interpretation Centre & Grenfell House. Other stops include a brief local shopping stop and a visit to the dramatic lookout at Fishing Point where we can also take in a small community wildlife exhibit (admission included) which includes a polar bear.

The race to the North Pole

Land at the L’Anse aux Meadows pier and walk 30 seconds to the waiting school bus. Enjoy coastal communities and look for moose during the scenic 50 minute drive to the Grenfell Interpretation Center’s entrance. Upon arrival, you will learn about the race to the North Pole and view the old instruments used for surgery over a century ago. The center also provides opportunities to purchase the crafts and clothing that Grenfell had the Arctic people produce commercially.

Next it is on to Grenfell House with its arctic specimens and letters on the walls from kings, presidents, and governors. In addition to exploring the town, and learning about polar bears and the local fishing industry at Fishing Point, a brief visit can be made to the local shopping center which includes a drugstore and general store while the rest of the folks visit the Grenfell sites.

Our experienced guide will look for moose and caribou and will ensure passengers enjoy St. Anthony’s many stories.